Fawley U9 v Lymington U9

Lymington 260Fawley 251

Lymington’s second match of the season saw them travel across the Forest to face Fawley. The Lymington boys had been practicing their running between the wickets during the week, and the first pairing of James Collison (10) and Ollie Dixon (6) demonstrated the art admirably. Without hitting a single boundary the pair were still able to contribute an opening partnership of 23 runs, proving that cunning and communication can sometimes be as important as power. Runs off the bat were at a premium for the rest of the innings, but Lymington’s batsmen protected their wickets with great tenacity and only two wickets fell in the entire innings. Lucas Le Povedin (who shall from herewith be called ‘LLP’ to save time) was third highest scorer, followed by Baden Loveless, Jack Carswell and Winston Loveless. Edward Fox and débutante Freddie Phillips were both 0 not out; Edward in particular batted determinedly to see off the straightest over of the match from Fawley’s Jimmy Painter. With the assistance of a smattering of wides and a few no balls Lymington were able to post a total of 260. Mitchell McPhee took a wicket for Fawley while Jake Gregory was the most economical bowler and Liam Elkins showed good pace and accuracy. Behind the stumps Reggie Smith performed admirably, conceding just one bye all innings.

Bowling straight has been a perennial problem for Lymington’s Under 9s teams over the past few years, and Friday’s match proved no different with the team conceding a whopping 52 wides. However, batting heroes Jack and Ollie proved that they were equally as capable with a ball in their hand, conceding just three wides and three runs off the bat in their combined six overs. They were ably assisted by Baden Loveless who took 2 for 9, and brother Winston who also bowled well and conceded just nine runs. LLP took a vital wicket as the game reached an exciting conclusion, and with two overs remaining Fawley required 16 to win. Jack Carswell kept his composure and gave away just seven runs from the 15th over, leaving Ollie Dixon to bowl the final six balls. Ollie kept his cool and only four runs were scored; a run out off the penultimate ball sealing a nine run win for Lymington. Gregory and Smith were Fawley’s highest net scorers, although Harry Baker played the shot of the match but was unfortunately dismissed twice.

All the boys contributed to what was Lymington’s first win of the season. James Collison was man of the match for his 10 runs and tight bowling, while special mention should go to Lymo’s two seven year olds Winston and Freddie who both played well despite their tender ages.